Journalist

Wycliffe Hall, the Evangelical theological college in Oxford, was tight-lipped this week about the sudden departure of its Principal, the Revd Dr Richard Turnbull. Rumours started circulating about his absence on Friday. The college’s council finally issued a statement late on Wednes­day afternoon to assert that he had not been dismissed.

In its statement, the council con­firms that staff and students were told that Dr Turnbull was to take “a leave of absence”. It says: “The Coun­cil wishes to make it clear that the Principal has not been dis­missed. The Council and Richard are now in on-going discussions over his future role at Wycliffe, with Vice-Principal Simon Vibert assum­ing the position of Acting Principal.